With the 2025 CAA U-18/U-20 African Championships fast approaching, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has stepped up preparations by initiating a special dietary plan for Team Nigeria, aimed at optimizing the performance of the young athletes. Following the conclusion of the national trials in Sagamu, the selected athletes have now moved into camp, where they will undergo final tuning ahead of the continental showdown in Abeokuta from July 16–20. The AFN leadership, including coaches and technical experts, are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the athletes are physically and mentally ready to represent the country at the highest level.
The final day of the national trials saw standout performances across several disciplines, despite challenging weather conditions. Gafar Badmus reaffirmed his status as Nigeria’s top junior quarter miler by storming to the U-20 men’s 400m title in 45.78s, while Success Oyibu delivered a surprise victory in the U-20 women’s 200m with 23.80s. Miracle Ezechukwu dazzled in the U-18 girls’ 200m (24.06s), and Perfect Faye posted a lifetime best of 21.68s to win the U-18 boys’ equivalent. John Caleb completed a sprint double by adding the U-20 men’s 200m crown (21.37s) to his earlier 100m win. In the hurdles, Christian Dickson snatched the U-20 110mH title with a PB of 14.46s, and Salami Oseiwe impressed in the 400m hurdles with 53.81s. Uduvweghre Precious Okeoghene was dominant in the U-18 girls’ 100m hurdles, winning in 14.25s.
Middle and long distance athletes also shone brightly. In the U-20 men’s 1500m, Ishaku Mjigimtu clocked 4:14.01 to take the win, while Iliya Raymond Gyang stole the show in the 5000m with a blistering 13:45.10. The U-18 boys’ 1500m title went to Effiong Christopher (4:09.46), and in the 3000m, Boyi Gang James led wire to wire with a time of 10:06.99. On the women’s side, Kehinde Olude claimed the U-18 girls’ 1500m (4:49.65), while Mary Chidinma Innocent topped the U-20 girls’ 400m hurdles (63.04s).
The field events showcased tremendous depth. In the jumps, Clement Honourable Victor (2.05m) and Ikweki Praise (2.07m) soared highest in the U-20 and U-18 high jump, respectively. Long jump wins went to Onyia Jeffrey Miracle (7.09m, U-20 boys) and Gowon Oghenerunor (7.28m, U-18 boys). In the triple jump, Francess Ajagbawa (11.65m) and Mercy Akhigbe (11.00m) claimed top honours in their categories. In the throws, Bosa David dominated U-18 boys’ shot put with a huge 16.48m mark, while Okeleke Success hurled 51.71m in the U-18 discus. In javelin, Eze Peace Udochukwu won the U-20 girls’ title with a standout 43.71m throw.
Throughout the two day trials, the AFN’s technical committee, led by Director Gabriel Okon and Chief Coach Solomon Aliyu, worked closely with Federation President Chief Tonobok Okowa to ensure quality and transparency in selection. Despite unfavorable weather, the event ran smoothly, producing a dynamic team brimming with talent and national pride one now poised to fly the Nigerian flag high at home in Abeokuta.
